Thursday, April 13, 2017

Researchers at Duke
University created a new “spray on” digital memory device. Although far
from being used commercially, the proven concept shows the potential this
amazing break through in technology may have on our future.

The “spray” is made of silica-coated copper nanowires encased
in a polymer matrix, which can be dissolved in methanol, creating a liquid that
can be sprayed through the nozzle of a printer onto a surface. Yes, there is a 3D printer that is used like
an aerosol can.

Duke researchers 3D printed a series of gold electrodes onto
a glass slide. Then printed, or “sprayed”, the copper-nanowire memory material
over the gold electrodes, and lastly printed a second series of cooper
electrodes.

To demonstrate, the researchers connected the 3D printed
device to 4-programmed LEDs, which became illuminated in various combinations
depending on the program.

Where would this spray on material be used? Researchers are
looking at Radio-frequency identification tags (RFID), most notably used in
tracking inventory. RFID tags electronically store information and when scanned
provide limited information, i.e., the product was stored here, picked up at
this time, and delivered at this time. With spray on memory, a consumer can see
the inventory information, along with the temperature the product was stored in
and for how long, or how the product was handled, which would be great for
medications, or a perfectly preserved bottle of wine.

Or for golf
enthusiasts, imagine having this printed onto your personal golf balls or
clubs to track speed, elevation, distance, wind resistance, or to find your
ball when you slice it into the woods.

What’s more, the spray-on memory can be re-written with no
limits. While conventional memory devices might last only a few years, the
spray-on memory has the ability to store data for a decade without degradation.

The current storage space of the spray-on memory is equal to
a 4 bit flash drive. That is essentially the computer power of using your TV
remote or programming a coffee maker. However, still in its infancy, the
spray-on memory technology will only develop to become better and more
efficient.